Ukraine Frontline Skepticism: Ukrainian Troops Question Land Concessions

[CharlieH]

 

Ukrainian soldiers express doubts as diplomatic talks continue over territory.

 

On the frontline, Ukrainian troops remain skeptical about the prospect of ceding territory in ongoing diplomatic discussions. As the soldiers of the 150th reconnaissance and strike battalion gather for a simple barbecue of meat and roasted vegetables, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with US President Donald Trump, who has pledged "very good protection" for Ukraine.

Amidst the evening meal, when Trump's promise is mentioned, a soldier humorously asks, "From who?"

 

This wry comment underscores the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding US support. Despite these political developments, frontline soldiers are detached from the news, focused instead on the realities and demands of the war that persist after over three years of intense conflict.

 

In a quiet but tense night operation, a squad of soldiers prepares a bomber drone on the fringes of a sunflower field. Equipped with 3.5kg explosives, the drone is swiftly assembled and launched from a catapult, prompting an immediate evacuation to avoid detection by Russian surveillance. This is the precarious reality soldiers face, regardless of what is discussed in meeting rooms far away.

 

Just six miles away, the village of Dobropillia remains under Russian attack. The soldiers witness flashes of orange light and tracer bullets in the night sky, indicating ongoing combat, likely with Ukrainian forces targeting Russian drones. The previous day saw 67 Russian attacks near Dobropillia alone, resulting in multiple casualties and highlighting the intensity of the conflict.

Denys Bryzhatyi, the battalion commander and a former law student, emphasizes the strategic danger of conceding Donetsk. He warns that ceding this fortified region would open new vulnerabilities in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia, which lack similar fortifications. Giving up Donetsk, he says, would be a grave loss for Ukraine's defense.

 

New defensive structures—trenches lined with dragon’s teeth and barbed wire—mark the landscape, part of Ukraine's efforts to resist the advancing Russian forces. These are the very defenses that would be compromised if territorial concessions were made.

The battalion employs advanced technology, using Airplast bomber drones capable of striking targets up to 25 miles away. Each night, the crew undertakes several missions, guided by previous reconnaissance. Daytime operations involve Vector drones, demanding meticulous setup in hidden dugouts. They provide high-quality reconnaissance footage, critical for identifying targets and adapting strategies.

 

Troops monitor signals from Russian drones, acutely aware of the threats posed by FPV drones piloted with precision to deliver explosive payloads. Any sign of enemy drones prompts quick retreats into bunkers, underscoring the constant threat faced by these soldiers.

 

The 150th's innovation extends to producing bomb casings and components using 3D printers. This rapid manufacture of munitions, including assembling explosives into 3D-printed tubes, enhances their combat readiness, reflecting an adaptive military strategy amid fighting.

 

Veteran soldiers like Puma, who has survived near-fatal confrontations in 2016, continue to engage in dangerous reconnaissance operations. Despite personal risk, there is a steadfast determination to protect Ukrainian territory. Discussions of concessions appear as distractions to many on the ground.

 

Optimus, another soldier, questions the sense in ceding land after significant sacrifices and losses. For him and others, the very idea challenges the resilience and purpose behind their continued fight. The sentiments echo a broader resolve within Ukraine's armed forces to maintain their territorial integrity against Russian aggression.

 

Despite diplomatic efforts, the reality for these troops is clear: the fight for Ukraine's borders is far from over, and any land concessions are met with skepticism from those directly engaged in this ongoing war.

Tag: Ukraine Conflict

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-20

 

 

[Tug]

Salva Ukraine death to putin you heroic nation!

[angryguy]

How about being grateful to still have a country if the war is finished